Read Doug’s articles originally printed in The Jerusalem Post.
Profile Perspectives
Proper financial planning can change your relationship with money.
Debunking 3 Myths about not Needing an Emergency Fund
One of the most fundamental principles of financial planning is to prepare for the unexpected by keeping three to six months’ worth of living expenses in an emergency fund. The trouble is many people succumb to the myth that emergency funds aren’t necessary because you can always withdraw from savings…. Read more
Short on Retirement Savings? Here’s What You Need to Do
More than 10,000 baby boomers cross the retirement threshold every day, and nearly one in four of them of haven’t saved enough to retire comfortably. If you’ve reached that point and realize your retirement savings won’t last your lifetime, it’s time to have an uncomfortable conversation with a financial advisor because there are several things that need to be done…. Read more
How to Keep Financial Harmony in Your Marriage
What’s the best way to achieve financial harmony in a marriage?
When two people get married, they don’t only join their lives together, but also their money. If differences in money attitudes and practices are not addressed early on, people can become set in their ways, making it more difficult to overcome any disagreements…. Read more
What You Should Know About Low-Risk Investments
Recently, a new client told me that his portfolio mostly contained low-risk investments. When I saw that the majority of his investments were mutual funds, I asked him why he believed mutual funds were “low-risk,” as his funds contained stocks. What he was missing was the mutual funds contained stocks which are risky,… Read more
Can I Safely Withdraw Principal in Retirement?
As a cross-border financial advisor, one question I hear nearly every day is, “Can I afford to withdraw my principal in retirement?” For most of my clients, the short answer is, yes, but it is important to know how much and from which accounts you can dip into your principal.
When withdrawal is part of a strategy
The financial planning industry’s “4 Percent Rule” is commonly applied in determining how much principal you can draw down annually without risking outliving your money…. Read more
How to Invest When You Can’t Predict Market Direction
If you’re thinking of investing in stocks but you’re concerned about which direction the stock market will move, here’s what you need to know:
If you are a new investor with a long-term perspective, it shouldn’t matter which direction the stock market moves in the short term. What you should know is that a bull market (up market) generally follows a bear (down) market…. Read more
Why You Need to Talk to Your Adult Children About Your Finances
Do you find it difficult to discuss with your adult children what should happen with your finances towards the end of your life?
If so, you’re not alone.
People don’t like thinking about their own mortality or losing control. Moreover, as family relationships aren’t always easy, discussing issues such as power of attorney,… Read more
Steps You Need to Take 5 Years Before Retirement
Will you have “enough” money to live comfortably? The months and years before retirement may be filled with trepidation and financial worries. In order to minimize financial concerns before retirement, here are some steps you should take in the five years leading up to it:
Organize your assets for tax efficiency
Most retirees underestimate the impact taxes will have on their retirement income…. Read more
How to Choose the Right Financial Advisor for You
Choosing the right financial advisor can be like seeking the right life partner. Your financial advisor needs to be the perfect match for you and your situation. Your advisor must be knowledgeable, honest, reliable, and, most importantly, have your best interests in mind.
There are many financial professionals who all offer a range of services and expertise…. Read more
3 Hidden Retirement Risks and How to Avoid Them
What are the retirement risks you should watch out for when planning your future?
The following risks, which often get forgotten, can torpedo even the best-laid retirement plans:
Underestimating the true cost of retirement
Many people plan for rising healthcare expenses as they get older, but they don’t factor in the increasing costs of living longer…. Read more